About Little Havens 💛

Little Havens provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions, from Essex and the surrounding boroughs.

The team looks after each child or young person, and their whole family, in their own homes and at the hospice in Benfleet, Essex. It is the charity Dexter has chosen to support with every Dexter's Halloween.

Help us hit £3,000

Every penny from Dexter's Halloween goes to Little Havens Children's Hospice through our JustGiving page. Scan the QR code or tap the button to donate.

Donate now 🧡

Care and support at Little Havens

Families can choose from a wide range of support, activities and facilities, including:

‘Day Stay’ sessions for respite — a change of scene, enjoyable activities and time with other children and young people in a safe, accessible place.
Comfortable, free accommodation for family members, so you can stay with your children.
Overnight respite breaks — an important chance for parents and carers to rest and recuperate.
Emergency stays, for when something unexpected happens.
Specialist care for children and young people approaching the end of their life, and for their families, including a private bereavement suite and bereavement counselling.
Social groups and activities to suit each child and family, including support for siblings.
Landscaped gardens with sensory areas, wheelchair-accessible swings and adaptable play equipment.
A multi-sensory room, a ball pool and messy play areas.

The hospice and its grounds

The hospice is set in beautiful meadowland, surrounded by expansive gardens. Its private bereavement suite, The Woodland Suite, gives families a supportive space to stay when their child has died. Here are some photos from Dexter's visit.

Dexter outside the entrance to Little Havens Children's Hospice — Arriving at Little Havens.

Dexter standing in the hospice lobby beside the painted rabbit and elephant sculptures — In the main lobby, surrounded by the painted animal sculptures.

Dexter sitting on the padded mat in the hospice sensory room — The sensory room.

Dexter on the brick path in the hospice garden with the model railway behind him — The hospice garden, with its model railway.

Dexter in front of the metal dinosaur skeleton sculpture in the hospice grounds — By the dinosaur sculpture in the grounds.

Good to know

Do families have to pay for this care?

No. Little Havens' services are provided absolutely free of charge, from diagnosis and throughout the child's life journey.

How is a referral made?

A child or young person, parent or carer, or any professional involved in the child's care can get in touch. The consent of the parent/guardian or young person is needed. You can call 01702 552 200 with details about the child's condition.

What happens after a referral?

A Caseload Liaison Nurse visits the family at home, or in hospital, and gathers information from their doctors. A panel then decides whether the child meets the criteria — usually within a month, or faster in an emergency. Families who are accepted are invited for an introductory visit of about an hour to meet the team and see the hospice before their first stay.

What other care is available?

Little Havens is part of Havens Hospices, which also includes Fair Havens. For young people approaching the age of transition into adult care, the team can discuss whether these services would be right for them.

Information from Havens Hospices. Visit their site to find out more or make a referral.

Help us hit £3,000

Every penny from Dexter's Halloween goes to Little Havens Children's Hospice through our JustGiving page. Scan the QR code or tap the button to donate.

Donate now 🧡